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Water privatization does not yield cost savings

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"Proponents of privatization consistently argue that it saves costs due to competitive pressures private providers face to be more efficient. Over the last four decades there has been considerable experimentation with privatization. Results are inconsistent. Some cases find savings; others do not. To get beyond the “battle of the case studies” my colleagues and I conducted a meta-analysis of all published studies on water distribution. A comprehensive scientific analysis shows the value of a careful review of theory and empirical evidence in making policy choices. Our analysis found no empirical support for cost savings."